CASTLE: Andrew Marlowe Teases the Castle and Beckett Dynamic in Season 6

It’s not exactly the easiest thing to tease what’s to come in CASTLE season 6.

Sure, CASTLE is not the only finale to have a massive cliffhanger to end the season, but it is in the curious position of having both of its big, unanswered questions so intrinsically intertwined with the core dynamic of the show that it makes answering anything about what’s to come a big, fat spoiler.

So when I spoke with CASTLE creator Andrew Marlowe about what was to come for Castle and Beckett in season 6, there was some vagueness, there were some hypotheticals, but, hopefully, there’s also enough of a tease of what’s to come for the duo that it’ll have you counting down the moments until the show’s season premiere…

When you sat down to plan this season, how clear was the arc for the year in your mind? Did you plan out the scope of the year, or did you tackle the premiere just have broad strokes of ideas for the rest of season 6? Andrew Marlowe: It depends on your definition of clear. I had a vision of what season 6 looked like, and beyond that, what season 7 could look like. And what I want to do with the relationship and where I want to take these guys.

As we’ve gotten into breaking stories this year, we’re really excited by some of the dramatic opportunities and problems Beckett’s answers to the two fundamental questions [raised in the finale] have created. One question is does she accept the proposal? And the other question is she has this job opportunity in Washington D.C. — what’s going to happen to that? And I know there’s been a lot of attention in the press to how Beckett answers those questions, but what’s more interesting to us is that each one of those answers has consequences to their relationship, and to Castle’s future and Beckett’s future. So what’s more interesting to us rather than what she answers is what are the consequences of those answers?

If she says yes to the proposal, there is a whole series of consequences in that relationship that are going to arise. But if she says no to the proposal, again, how is that going to affect the relationship? If she says yes to the job in D.C., it’s going to fundamentally alter stuff for Beckett and Castle. And if she says no to it, is Beckett betraying who she is as a person and will she be able to live with that? We’re really excited to explore the dramatic opportunities, no matter which ways the questions are answered.

We live in a time where it’s really hard to keep these big answers spoiler-free…and I know some fans think they know the answers to these questions based on set photos and how some of the actors have spoken about what’s to come this season. How important is it to you that viewers come into the season spoiler-free — or have you accepted to an extent that these twists can’t remain totally unspoiled? AM: I think at a certain point you have to take control and do the best you can. Whether that means coaching your actors to say certain things or shooting multiple resolutions to stuff and putting stuff out there and people keeping guessing and letting them think they know and making them feel they know — I think it’s inevitable some things will get out, and in any circumstance, she’s going to say yes or no to one [question] and yes or no to the other. In any circumstance, a quarter of your fanbase, statistically, will come back and be smug and say, “I guessed she would do that.”

Again, what the answers are, to me, and I think our core fanbase, the answers are a lot less interesting than the questions those answers are going to raise. And how these two characters are going to navigate their relationship in light of it. I think inevitably in this day and age, stuff is going to get out there. Some of it is going to be accurate, some of it is not. We’re just pleased people care and people are talking about it.

That’s completely fair. It’s the sixth season, so the continued passion is probably a good sign.AM: And I know some people who when they read mysteries, they read the last page and then read the book. In this circumstance, if people have gone and sought out spoiler material — and sought out spoiler material that’s accurate — all they’re doing is reading the first page of what happens next. And that’s fine.

If they’re engaged, do you see this being a longer engagement, or do you anticipate they may move a bit fast? AM: I think no matter what the question is, we’re going to have to deal with the ramifications are, and it’s probably more complicated than either of them foresee.

If they get engaged, how will it impact their working relationship?AM: You’re fishing in the engagement pond, aren’t you? [Laughs]

These are all fun hypothetical questions, because even if they don’t get engaged now, they could get engaged a year from now and still have to deal with these issues.AM: Whether it’s in the premiere episode this year or a season from now or two seasons from now, if these two get engaged, I think they’ll have to wrestle with it. Certainly Beckett will have to wrestle with the fact that Castle has been married two times before. And Castle is going to have to wrestle with whether he’s done the right thing. And I think the two of them will have to wrestle with an imagined future together.

And also, how do they live their day-to-day life and what does that look like? It’s one thing to be hanging out, professionally, with a multi-millionaire dilettante writer who is helping you solve crimes. It’s another to imagine your future with that person and wrestle with your own identity. And then in terms of the kind of people it would make sense for Castle to be with on paper, Beckett’s not necessarily that person, but there’s clearly an attraction. That becomes real and they’re looked at by society as that couple.

So inevitably, when they get there, those are issues we’ll have to deal with. As well as how it would alter how they work together in a professional relationship. It’s one thing to be partners, but when you’re partners on top of partners, it’s a whole other thing. So when it’s time for us to do that, I assume all of those issues will be part of the trajectory of the storytelling.

Whether she accepts the proposal or not, will you be touching on the outside reaction to their relationship from the media and Castle’s fans, etc.?AM: Inevitably, we’re going to have to deal with that.

It would make sense since we’ve seen Castle being touted as an eligible bachelor in the past…AM: [Now either] an eligible bachelor or off the market. We will absolutely have to deal with that. Or off the market but have to pretend to be on the market for book sales. There are a lot of different possibilities we could get into.

Will the show be touching back on the conversation Beckett had with Meredith at the end of “Significant Others”?AM: If you were a woman, wouldn’t that haunt you? And you are a woman, so if you were in a situation [like that] I think it would haunt you. And you know Beckett — she never lets anything go. She stores it all away. And I think inevitably when she’s looking at her relationship with Castle, she’s going to wonder about that.

If, hypothetically, Beckett goes to D.C., where does this leave Castle, professionally? AM: That’s a big hypothetical — if Beckett goes to D.C.! I think, look, if Beckett doesn’t go to D.C., it’s going to challenge her and challenge the relationship. She will feel she has missed an opportunity. And inevitably, she will look at Castle as the reason, and that would cause stress in any relationship. And if she does go to D.C., what a huge wrench to throw into any burgeoning relationship. And one wonders if the relationship could survive.

One wonders what Castle would do: would he move to D.C..? He’s got family in New York, his mom’s in New York, he’s got business in New York, but maybe he can write from anywhere. If she takes this job and he moves to D.C., she’s already said in the last episode, this would consume her. Are they going to have any time together? That would be tough, too.

So I think that on either side of the equation, no matter what Beckett’s decision is, or whether it’s Beckett and Castle making the decision together, there are going to be relationship consequences they’re going to have to attend to.

–

Be sure to check back next week for more from my chat with Marlowe!

CASTLE’s sixth season premieres Monday, September 23rd at 10 PM on ABC.

Comments

34 Responses to “CASTLE: Andrew Marlowe Teases the Castle and Beckett Dynamic in Season 6”

Erin on
August 19th, 2013 2:24 pm

Please, not more Beckett melodrama.

sdjoyce on
August 19th, 2013 2:33 pm

I love how this man’s mind works. How he treats and understands relationships, keeps it real but interesting & entertaining, if not a little maddening at times. As I’ve said each consecutive season, this is going to be such fun. Can’t wait, AWM & Company. Can’t wait.

Denise Gideon on
August 19th, 2013 2:54 pm

Really?? More forced, fake drama. I am just about tired of this show. Usually I love the way a show shifts focus a bit to the strong female character – see Fringe and Farscape.

But the way they have constructed Kate Beckett’s character at the end of season three I wouldn’t care if she skipped off to DC and never came back. I have said many times Castle is a man-child, something I don’t find attractive in men, and that Beckett needs a real man.

But after her actions, I think maybe it is Castle who needs to drop her and find a woman who won’t cry about walls and being damaged when she wants to make selfish decision.

I don’t get the Beckett hate, though I do understand if people have issues with the lack of focus on Castle. It is interesting that he doesn’t really drive the story as much as one would expect him to do so. Though I think most online fans have seen enough spoilers to know that he will likely drive plenty of story…

This is a tough situation the couple has been put in — it will be interesting to see how they work through it.

Please, any Esplanie news? Their shippers need them…Hope to have news soon Thanks!

Robert on
August 19th, 2013 4:16 pm

It would be cool if they write both characters interesting at the same time.

Samantha on
August 19th, 2013 5:30 pm

I love Kate Beckett and I love Beckett DC team!!

Emily on
August 19th, 2013 6:04 pm

I honestly have no idea what John means. I’ve heard, watched and read all the Stana interviews over the hiatus thus far, including ones from Australia and New Zealand, and she hasn’t said anything that resembles a spoiler. She has laughed and refused to give anything away, but said that she likes the answer and it is the perfect one for the characters. Early on, she said what she personally would choose, and it was made to be clear that it was her personal opinion. the two may overlap, but it doesn’t mean she was spoiling it. Nathan has given similar answers when people have asked him what happens. In fact, the entire main cast have been great at keeping spoilers close to home; it is the guest actors who have spoiled things.

Elisa on
August 19th, 2013 8:19 pm

I think Beckett is one of the most interesting and complex characters on TV, I like the focus on her and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Momo on
August 19th, 2013 8:30 pm

I’m excited. I don’t really care which way the story goes. I watch the show because I love all of the characters equally. If they want to focus on Beckett or even Alexis or Esposito or Ryan, I’m totally on board. I’m attached to these people and I want to see where their stories go whether or not Castle and Beckett are together. Although I would totally be lying if I said that I didn’t want them to end up together (I’m totally a shipper).

Laura on
August 19th, 2013 8:35 pm

I think I will crazy love the team on DC..Marlowe please make a Listana Spin off

Anna Leigh Geist on
August 19th, 2013 8:40 pm

Love the show wherever Andrew Marlowe & the rest of the writing team will take us.
Like all relationships theirs have a lot of challenges & difficulties & this is what the writers show on the show as well.
Not everything going Castle & Beckett’s way are rainbows & sunshine & in Beckett’s profession most especially, it takes drive & determination to focus & to succeed in a man’s world & she’s the best in what she does.
She’s been managing her life solo for such a long time that it will take another strong & at the same time loving & caring man like Castle to let her spread her wings career-wise & let her fulfill her dreams & still maintain a loving & healthy home life. Just like what every hard-working woman is working so hard to achieve these days.
I admire Beckett as a person & as a woman. She is strong, smart, determined & had been making difficult choices in life & what the writers have been driving at is that it is all so very true to women in the work place.
Nothing is easy but the reward at the end of the day will be sublime for Castle & Beckett.
Just enjoy it. The people behind Castle know that Castle & Beckett are the driving force of this show & their love story is so very beautiful. It is what viewers are so eager to watch.
It’s all good. Castle Season 6 will be awesome! I cannot wait!
Thank you to the Castle cast & crew for giving us such a very good show!

Teri on
August 19th, 2013 9:04 pm

For gosh sakes, why does it have to be so difficult? I can think of some ideas that would allow Castle and Beckett to figure this all out and be happy. We just want happy and in love and together.

If everything was all love and no issues in their relationship, that would be boring and unrealistic. No one is liked by everyone so it is the same for Beckett, but the people who don’t like her are usually fans of Castle. An arrogant, immature character who does what he wants and expects to get his way all the time. And has raised a daughter who is going to be just like him. Go figure. I say the more Beckett the better.

Moogie on
August 19th, 2013 11:32 pm

@Darlene…and those people who don’t like Castle are usually fans of Stan Katic.

Erin on
August 20th, 2013 8:42 am

@Moogie @Darlene Yes, the famous “Stanatics”, not all of them but, a good part.

wd22 on
August 20th, 2013 9:13 am

The storyline of the job could be good.

I think Stana did something wrong with her “loser” comment. That was just way out of line. Everyone has the right to take a job like that. But to say that a woman who doesn’t take that job offer is a loser makes Stana a loser herself. There are also woman who choose to have kids and that’s why they don’t take the job. But that doesn’t make you a loser Stana.

Now I don’t really like it the focus is too much on Beckett. I am not saying all the focus should be on Castle. But it should be 50/50 and now that’s not the case. But to me it became obvious Beckett is Marlowe’s favourite character.

Now about the Meredith. I didn’t like it Marlowe put all the blame of their divorce with Castle. Why doesn’t Marlowe let Beckett know Meredith cheated on him like we found out in season 1. Hell I think Beckett should be getting way more problems with it she asked Meredith about the divorce and not Castle. I didn’t find that normal.

Now about the job. The whole job storyline makes Beckett a hypocrite if you watch episode 9 of season 1 again.

I hear Stana say a woman shouldn’t have to choose between job and love. But it was Stana’s character who made a guy (Sorenson) choose between job and love. So for a guy it’s oke.

Also she wasn’t willing to move to Boston with Sorenson. And she literally said a long distance relationship is a relationship she never wants to have. If she does want one now then she is a hypocrite.

I think Marlowe should sometimes be a littler harder on Beckett. If Castle does something wrong he gets hell and back from it. But if Beckett does the same thing she gets away with it. Kristina Cottera/Eric Vaughn ring a bell.

And some more Castle storyline. The show is still called Castle and not Beckett. But we read a interview here of Marlowe that focusses 90% on Beckett and 10% on Castle.

Marlowe’s favouritism for the Beckett character or more likely for the actress that playes Beckett is getting a little out of hand.

wd22 on
August 20th, 2013 9:17 am

@Darlene.

What about the fact Beckett always needs everything on her time table.

She is not ready to date him. He has to wait.
She is not ready to say ILY. He has to wait.

But when she wants to know where they are going he needs to answer that question right away because if Beckett wants something it needs to happen immediately.

Castle chooses a video game over sex once. NOT a big deal at all. But Beckett immediately lets herself get kissed by another guy. No that’s mature.

If there’s one character who expects everything to get her way all the time it’s Beckett and not Castle Darlene.

The last three episode Beckett’s actions where horrible and selfish.

But she expects to get away with it every time and no one has the right to say she did anything wrong. But she is always bitching to Castle if he does something wrong.

First of all I am a huge fan of Beckett/Stana and every Stana fan that I know loves Castle. I was speaking about a fictional character on tv when I was referring to Castle’s flaws. I know Beckett has numerous flaws too. All people have flaws that is what the relationship is about and what the show is about. Marlowe says the show is about the relationship, is that not why we watch the show the relationship and it’s COTW.
Again, I was talking about a fictional character so why posters are bringing Stana in to the conversation is beyond me. So you bash her fans and her, love the hate for no reason. By the way, Stana has a great sense of humor and is always joking about things. You have know idea what context her loser comment was made, even if she was not joking, she made the comment about a fictional character she was not talking about what every woman should do. I am out of here.

Erin on
August 20th, 2013 10:10 am

@wd22 I will agree with your comments. well put.

Intrigued and Optimistic on
August 20th, 2013 12:37 pm

If you read or listen to SK’s interviews, she clearly wants Beckett to “have it all,” before the series ends. She has always been the conductor of the Caskett train, always has believed that the two characters would work well as a couple, has constantly jokingly talked about them having kids, and she still wants Kate to be portrayed as a respected professional. She’s supportive of a well-rounded female character, and I don’t think that’s a crime.

As for SK’s perspective of the Castle character, a couple years ago, she did a long-form interview where she really praised the character and was incredibly effusive. She has also talked about spreading the wealth to other actors and telling stories about underdeveloped characters. When it comes to the show, I think it is fair to say she is “all in,” and not just for her own character’s benefit. In fact, I don’t think any of them are in it solely for their own characters’ benefit, except one cast member.

People are insistent on making this a Castle vs Beckett or NF vs SK war, and I see far more bashing of Kate and SK online. But at the end of the day, she is clearly the one who wants the same things the fans want. And she’s been that way since the beginning.

wd22 on
August 20th, 2013 3:18 pm

@darlene.

I am not bashing or hating Stana Katic. I just completely disagreed with that one comment.

But there are also a few people out there when someone says ONE bad thing about Stana they go crazy. I love her as a actress. And I have never catched her on any bad words in interviews what so ever. Expect that one interview with the loser comment. And I keep saying that if that’s really what she ment then yes that makes her a bit of a loser herself.

Now maybe she didn’t exactly say it like that. But you also don’t know if maybe she did. But I hear people react on an interview from Molly Quinn. Remember how crazy everyone got when she said the show was so great because of Nathan. Everyone was mad at her because she didn’t mentioned Stana. But then I didn’t read a comment that said maybe she didn’t mean it like that. So reacting badly on an interview from Molly is oke but from Stana not. I stay with my opinion about that interview from Stana and that one I didn’t like. And I was reacting to Marlowe’s interview and all the people who mentioned an interview from Stana here.

And where the hell in my comment did I bash the Stana fans? Tell me. Because I didn’t. I just said my opinion about that comment in her interview. And I am allowed. That’s not bashing or hating at all. If you draw that conclusion from my comment that’s not my problem then you apparently have a problem.

Apparantly I am also bashing and hating the Beckett character. Also THAT is not true. I am simply saying I think she gets away way too easy many times. Castle makes a lot of mistakes too, of course. But he gets more problems with it so why shouldn’t I be allowed to mention that.

But this is exactly what I am getting so so sick off. That I am just discussing things normally about my opinion about the show. I don’t say Beckett/Stana is a bitch or something. I don’t say her fans are crazy. So your comment about me hating and bashing Beckett/Stana is so freaking ridiculous and idiotic that maybe you should read my comments good first before you react on it.

These are just my personal opinion about the show. And yes while I like the Beckett character I wish we could see some more Castle. What’s wrong with that.

And ps. I don’t exactly watch the show for their relationship. I watch it because I like the case solving and how they do that in a crazy way. And the relationship is a nice add but not my main reason to watch the show. I for one think personally season 2 and 3 where the best seasons so far, way better then season 5. But again MY PERSONAL opinion.

So you say love the hate for no reason. I say make a stupid comment about my reviews when you didn’t read it right for no reason.

Apparently when someone mentions one small tiny thing he thinks Stana did wrong he immediately hates Stana. Says more about you then me.

wd22 on
August 20th, 2013 3:21 pm

@darlene

Oh and darlene one more thing. You say I hate and bash Stana/Beckett because of my comment. Well if you think that then you can also say you bash and hate Nathan/Castle.

Your comment:
An arrogant, immature character who does what he wants and expects to get his way all the time. And has raised a daughter who is going to be just like him. Go figure. I say the more Beckett the better.

Well if my comment is Beckett/Stana hating and bashing. Then this comment of yours is Nathan/Castle hating and bashing. Or don’t you agree?

Phoebe on
August 20th, 2013 5:00 pm

Thanks for this interview. I’m looking forward to Season 6. This is my favorite show. I love Castle and Beckett!

wire on
August 21st, 2013 6:22 am

I am soooo tired of constant hating in this fandom. Hating this, hating that, actors, characters etc. I am not excluding myself btw, I kinda hate a lot of story lines and I’m not too sweet on Beckett atm too. But really, people. I would say, hating on actors is taking it too far. You don’t know these people AT ALL, yet you make assumptions about them as if you were roomies at uni for years. It is so predictable and childish.
Like this “I don’t think any of them are in it solely for their own characters’ benefit, except one cast member.” Yes, Intrigued and Optimistic, we know who you mean. Because when Stana-friendly piece is followed by this sort of remark it usually means “oh btw, Nathan Fillion is a jerk” (or,less often – Molly Quinn). The question is, how do YOU know this? Assuming you never had a heart to heart chat with the man, but if you did please share.

So yeah, I’m feeling some sort of Castle fatigue, both from the show itself that lately doesn’t meet my expectations, and (mostly) this attitude from fans, when “jerks”, “bitches”, “divas”, “ungrateful bastards” etc about people we never met are flying around, for no reason other than extreme stupidity and love to judge and assume.

Erin on
August 21st, 2013 8:04 am

Stanatics, smh.

Erin on
August 21st, 2013 9:09 am

@wire I agree with you.

Intrigued and Optimistic on
August 21st, 2013 9:30 am

@wire,

No, I wasn’t talking about Nathan Fillion.

wd22 on
August 21st, 2013 9:51 am

@wire.

I completely agree with you. But that’s what I am also trying to say. I make a few comments about the Beckett character or one comment from Stana. Just to give my opinion and maybe start a good discussion. I like that. But you can’t make one opinion about a character and you are immediately a Beckett/Stana hater. And honestly I am not otherwise I wouldn’t be watching the show believe me.

I also think some people go completely crazy about this. There’s nothing wrong with having a favourite character/actress. But most of those people react crazy if you say something. Yes Stana seems nice and friendly, but who says that isn’t an act. But also the other way she can also be the nicest and sweetest person on the planet. The point is that only people close to her know that.

But I am indeed getting sick of the way some people think they have to defend Stana when it’s not even about her.

Nathan doesn’t follow Stana on twitter > so nathan is a jackass
Molly says the show is so great because of Nathan > Molly is a bitch who hates Stana
Nathan doesn’t show up one day (nobody knows why, they just think they do) > Oh Nathan is an unproffesional person who only cares about money and Stana is ten times better.

I am getting so sick of that. Having a favourite actress is absolutely fine. And everyone who is fan of Stana please go ahead. Nothing wrong with it. But don’t start acting like a crazy fan girl and bash and hate all the others.

So wire. You made great points. Completely agree with you.

Intrigued and Optimistic on
August 21st, 2013 11:06 am

Seriously, I find this almost amusing. Any objective reader who stumbles upon this thread of conversation is going to see primary hostility aimed in one direction: the actress, her character, and her fans. (Oh, and apparently the creator of the show for some perceived favoritism…)

Quite a few posts here where people are claiming the victim card or the supposed high road, when really we are all mostly in the same boat, in that we are passionate about the show. We all just interpret things – interviews, interactions, tweets, whatever – differently.

If you want to nitpick or bash everything SK or AWM says all over the Internet, whilr disregarding other salient things they’ve said in the past, you really shouldn’t be surprised when people respond in defense.

Erin on
August 21st, 2013 12:37 pm

I don’t have anything against Stana, against some of her fans? Yes!. Some examples has been written in this comments section.

World of Warcraft gives you an option to
listen to the msuic play once, or to loop it – and I always choose to loop,
and would have here as well, because while the soundtrack is very good, it does
not really play very often. This is probably the biggest issue that I have from my experience.
This time we’ll be taking a look at a Magic Skylander.

Feel free to leave a comment... and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!